The Red Hand

Chapter 131 – The Spirits’ Wares.

"This place is even busier than that other street." Kana was wowed by the sheer number of stalls and people as the two wandered around. The two sisters had decided to check out the shopping district first, as both Akagi and Kana were keen to see what the Spirits had for sale.

"Then, this must be the main bazaar." Akagi looked around. "I guess what we saw earlier was just another set of stalls, my mistake."

"I'm surprised that they can have this many stands. It's not like there's any trade network, so how can they sustain something like this?" Kana thought it was a bit strange that such a small town could have what seemed to be a thriving economy.

"You're correct to point out the strange situation, however you're claim is not entirely accurate." Akagi corrected her sister. "While it's true that a single town of even thirty thousand people by itself couldn't have this level economic traffic, it's not alone. In fact, I have some of my people acting as the middleman for trade with Earth, and we've been helping ship goods in and out of Omara for a while. Most of this city has been built as a result of my management of resources, and most of the Yokai here are at least aware of the outside world and its importance. As for the rest, the Yokai seem to have a culture of crafting, so most people here likely made things themselves and do it either as a hobby, or a secondary source of income."

{That was much more of a rational and sound answer than I expected from her. Has becoming the Demon Lord given her some extra brainpower?} Kana laughed in her head.

"I didn't know you were trading with this city. I don't recall seeing anything large being moved in or out besides construction equipment." Kana was kept in the dark about a lot of Akagi's family activities.

"You probably just didn't notice, since it's not really that relevant to you." Akagi shrugged. "I can tell you more stuff about our operations if you'd like. But the question is, do you really care?"

{It's not exactly the most entertaining thing in the world to sit in on meetings and discuss economic policy. Though my sick mind enjoys it.} (Akagi)

"Of course I do!" Kana exclaimed. "This is all important to you. So it will be important to me!"

{Why can't you understand that I actually care about you and what you do?} (Kana)

"You've got your own stuff to worry about, Kana." Akagi waved her off. "I'll keep you in the loop on certain things, but don't forget to live your own life and handle your own stuff first."

{But YOU are my priority.} Kana held back that thought, not wanting to get into a stupid argument.

The two began checking out the many stalls in the main bazaar. The Yokai had a large variety of things, from handmade clothing to carvings and even jewelry. Kana even saw a few of Akagi's family members shopping around. Apparently, they liked coming here during their time off and the Yokai seemed to appreciate their tendency to spend copious amounts of money.

"This is a really pretty kimono!" Kana said while she was looking at one created by a spider Yokai.

"It's made from my own silk." The spider lady smiled, she seemed happy to have her work praised. "My clan has long sewn all kinds of clothing, and I was taught by my mother since I was just a girl. In fact, the one I'm wearing right now is something I made myself." She spun around, which was a bit difficult because she was quite large, to show it off.

{This woman is basically just a tiny Arachne.} (Akagi)

"Can I touch it?" Kana asked the spider lady, who nodded.

Kana slow reached out and grabbed the kimono, running her hands along it. It was incredibly soft, as if it was made from top quality silk. The only thing she could compare it to was her sister's kimono, though Akagi's was still nicer.

"Ahh." Akagi walked up behind her. "I believe that uses a similar type of silk to what my own is made of."

{Getting that was annoying, stupid bugs wouldn't just calm down and let me farm them.} (Akagi)

"You said your outfit was made in the Empire, right?" Kana thought back to an earlier conversation.

"Yes, I paid an insane price for access to the best talents the Empire had, and used I the absolute best thread possible." Akagi grabbed the hem of her Kimono. "Mine is similar to that one, but its not made from Arachne silk. Rather I went after the threads of another creature named a Wyum. Think massive caterpillar/silkworm." That was the best way to describe the creatures.

"I think I've heard of something similar to that back in our old world." The Arachne lady spoke up. "Our silk is generally regarded as the best by humans and other outsiders, but in actuality, there are several monsters that produce something of even finer quality. Though obtaining it was very hard."

"Regardless of what its made from, this kimono is amazing." Kana was entranced by it. It was a simple green color, similar to Akagi's Hanten, and the Obi was light pink. While its sleeves were slightly oversized so they seemed to flow.

"Do you want it?" Akagi asked. "I think it would look good on you. You could even wear it to the meeting tomorrow with the Council."

"I can't ask you to-" Kana was cut off as Akagi paid the Arachne woman for the Kimono, even giving a bit extra.

{Oops, silly me. The money just left my hand. Oh well.} (Akagi)

"Can you do some fitting?" Akagi asked.

"Absolutely!" The Arachne grabbed Kana and pulled her behind some cloth that was hung behind her. "Let's get started!"

{Wait!} Kana squirmed but was powerless to resist.

After a few minutes, Kana reappeared from behind the curtain wearing the Kimono. Akagi was right, it looked amazing on her.

"See! Doesn't that look nice?" Akagi smiled.

"It's like it was made for you." The Arachne woman agreed. Her big smile showed just how much she enjoyed putting people into her creations.

Kana was a bit embarrassed and said nothing.

"I'll put it in storage for now. So it doesn't get dirty from walking around." Akagi chuckled as Kana got changed and placed the Kimono in inventory.

"Thank you!" The Arachne lady waved as the two sisters walked off.

{She was nice.} (Akagi)

"You didn't need to do that..." Kana said quietly.

"Why?" Akagi asked. "I already told you, money isn't a problem."

"It's not the money, its that you spoil me too much..." Kana sighed.

{Hishya's teasing about Onee-chan having a slight sister complex wasn't exactly wrong.} (Kana)

"And what's the problem with that?" Akagi shrugged. "You're my only little sister. What's wrong with wanting to see you happy?" She had missed so many years with Kana, and Akagi wanted to make up for that, which meant a 'tiny' bit of spoiling was inevitable.

"Yeah, I know. But sometimes, it makes me feel bad." Kana said. "I don't do anything for you..." She still felt like a burden on Akagi, since she was basically taking care of her.

"You know that's not true." Akagi quickly denied her claim. "Just being here with me means more than you can imagine, so I'd say you do plenty."

Kana sighed. "It's just strange being given everything and not being able to give back. I know things are a bit unorthodox, but I'd still like to contribute sometimes."

{I just don't like things being as one sided as they are. All I've been able to do is provide some emotional support, but is that really enough?} (Kana)

"If it bothers you so much, then we'll figure something out." Akagi pat Kana on the head. "I still say that you don't need to worry about it." Kana's face told her that no matter what she said, her sister would still worry.

{I guess she's just as stubborn as me.} Akagi laughed internally.

The two continued browsing the many shops and stalls until Akagi came across something interesting. A group of what looked like children were selling carved toys and stuffed animals along the side of the street using a blanket as a stand. They were all different kinds of Yokai ranging from Tengu to a type of fish folk.

"Hello!" The small fish girl greeted Akagi.

"Did you make these yourselves?" Akagi asked as she picked up a stuffed toy crow.

"Yeah, we learned from our parents in our village before..." The fish girl grew silent. Akagi figured these were war orphans, children left behind after the purging of the Spirits from the other world.

"I see. I'm sorry you had to go through that." Akagi bent down and pat the girl on the head. "There's a little girl back home that loves stuffed toys like this. How much for this little crow?"

"Umm." the girl thought for a moment. "It's this much!" She stuck out her hand showing a number.

"Then I'll give you this." Akagi stuck out her hand and placed one hundred times the amount of coins in her hand.

"Wha!" The girl and the other children were taken aback by the crazy amount of money Akagi handed over. "We can't-"

"I already gave it over, so you can't give it back." Akagi winked and grabbed the crow before walking back over to Kana.

"Thank you nice lady!" The children called out to her. Akagi just waved without looking back as she went over to Kana. Akagi might not like children per se, but she also hated to see them mistreated or suffer. Most likely because it reminded her of herself and her childhood.

"What was that all about?" Kana asked.

"Just some kids." Akagi shrugged. "And I figured Alice would like this toy." She showed Kana the stuffed crow.

{It's pretty basic.} (Kana)

"I think she will, but doesn't she have enough stuffed animals in her room." Kana had seen the mountain of plushies and other stuffed toys in Alice's collection.

"If you think that's bad, then never ask her to show you what's in her inventory." Akagi laughed as she put the stuffed toy away. "Now then, what say we break for lunch?" She asked, hearing Kana's stomach growl. "The place we're staying serves it in about fifteen minutes, so why don't we start heading back? We should arrive right on time."

"Sounds good to me. I wonder what kind of lunch they have." Kana was interested in the food being served and was curious to try some local cuisine. 

"I hate to put a damper on your excitement, but the food will probably be not that amazing." Akagi laughed. "I suspect that it will be fine by this world's standards, but compared to what you're used to it might be a bit lacking."

{If its anything like most food in FWO, she's gonna be disappointed.} (Akagi)

The two went back to the inn they were staying at and found it much busier than this morning. People were sitting at different tables eating lunch, and the variety of Yokai they saw only went up.

The food provided was actually a bit more interesting than Akagi expected. It was a simple sandwich with some vegetable soup, but this was beyond the gruel that was expected. The two sisters went and sat at one of the tables near a window across from each other as they dug in.

"This is actually not too bad. Its definitely worse quality wise that what we have at home, but its surprisingly competent." Kana said as she took a bite.

"Yeah, I'm surprised. I expected it to be like the food in FWO." Akagi shivered, recalling how bad most food tasted in-game.

"Your reaction tells me it wasn't a pleasant memory." Kana laughed.

"Let's just say we valued anything that tasted better than cardboard." Akagi gave a wry smile. There was good food in the game. But it was much harder to come by and required proper preparation.

The two chatted as they had their lunch together until a group of three spirits wearing armor and carrying swords entered the inn. It seemed they were some kind of exploration party who had just returned from beyond the barrier.

"Loud, aren't they." Akagi rolled her eyes. Whoever they were, she wanted them to use their inside voices.

"They're jovial." Kana laughed nervously.

"Hey, you two!" The single male in the group yelled as he walked over. "Get out of our seats." The man was quite tall and had two horns sticking out of the sides of his head. Akagi had no idea what race he was and didn't care.

{Why...} (Akagi)

"And now this is happening." Akagi sighed. “Fucking great!”

"Just try not to do anything too rash, Onee-chan." Kana groaned, knowing this wasn't going to end well.

"Didn't you hear me?" The horned man put his hands on the table. "This table is reserved for the exploration team only, so get lost!"

"Oh, I heard you. I'm just choosing to ignore you. Perhaps come back when you have something interesting to say." Akagi glared at him.

"What's going on?" The Elf woman with pink hair in his group came over. "Everything alright, Ferrix?"

"Don't get involved, Mami. Everything will be fine once these two leave our table!" Ferrix slammed down on the wooden table, causing Kana to flinch.

{I swear, people just WANT me to fucking eat them...} (Akagi)

"And why is there a human in here anyway?" Ferrix turned to Kana. "Such a disgusting creature is dirtying our home! How can the Council allow their kind in here when they did so much to us!"

"Uh, wait, Ferrix..." The Elf woman seemed a bit concerned about something, but Ferrix ignored her.

{Why do I get the feeling that this is someone we shouldn't mess with?} Mami felt like she'd seen Akagi's face somewhere before.

"Your kind should all be ripped to pieces, human. I don't know why you're here, but you should leave! Now!" Ferrix exclaimed, his voice causing the inn to go silent.

"Are you done?" Akagi stood up. "Because, I don't appreciate you talking like that to my sister."

"A human and a woman with orange and black eyes..." The third member of their party walked over. She was an Oni with short blue hair. "Why does that-" She recalled something posted around town before they left on their most recent expedition. "Oh, fuck..."

{Wait she's the!} (Shisa)

"You know, Kana and I were discussing dessert, and well, low and behold a volunteer snack shows up!" Akagi gave a smile that belied her anger. "It would be rude for me not to eat that which was provided for me.”

{Oh boy, she's pissed.} (Kana)

"Wait, Wait, Wait!" The Oni woman intervened, stepping between Akagi and Ferrix. "I'm so sorry for him. We've been out in the forest for a while, but I recall seeing a posting about you in the city center." She tried to stop this from escalating further. "You're the Demon Lord Akagi, right?" Her words caused some murmuring in the inn.

"What?" Ferrix went wide-eyed.

{Demon Lord?} (Ferrix)

"Yes, I am." Akagi allowed her voice to distort. She'd had been hiding her presence since she got to this world. Mostly because she didn't want to cause a panic as Spirits were even more attuned to her aura than normal people. Mizumi had informed people about Akagi before she arrived in Omara, but it seems most people assumed Akagi was some kind of Yokai and didn't recognize her until just now. "Now, remind me what was that about my sister being a disgusting creature?"